Persian rugs and carpets are an integral part of the Persian culture and heritage. They are loved and desired even after thousands of years because of their elaborate and intricate workmanship, unparalleled beauty and quality, and astounding variety in design. They are hand woven and require a year or two to finish a single rug or carpet. Nowadays machine made rugs and carpets are also produced in large quantities. Ancient Persia is the mother of most designs, patterns, conventional fabrics and colorations produced in rugs today worldwide. Iran, ancient Persia, is now the highest producer and exporter of rugs and carpets. Iran has successfully continued the old tradition and quality of carpets and so they are among the very best in the world. Handmade Persian rugs and carpets - antique and modern, account for almost three quarters of the world’s total output.

Persian rugs are much sought after because of their excellent design, quality, and patterns. They are used as floor coverings or wall hangings. Modern rugs have successfully maintained the great rug making tradition of ancient Persia. Wool is the most preferred material. Cotton and silk fabrics are also used. Cotton and silk result in more intricate designs and patterns. Rugs were exclusively made for household use and then for courts although later they were produced to be exported throughout the world. The type of dye used, knot count, design, and grade sets them apart. Silk or high quality woolen rugs are much costlier than those fashioned from cotton or materials of lower quality. Greater the knot counts per square inch in the warp, better the quality of the rug. Women and girls are the usual weavers since ancient times. They take up weaving as a hobby, requirement and means of earning money. Handmade rugs are more expensive than those made by machines.

Persian carpets are renowned for their incomparable beauty, quality, patterns and designs. The tradition of carpet making in Persia, modern day Iran, is as old as the Bronze Age. Persian rugs and carpets were created exclusively for domestic household use. Gradually their fame spread and carpets were made in large numbers for royal courts and later on for export. The style, patterns and embroidery of such carpets were labyrinthine, intricate and they portrayed symbols based on the geography and culture of the manufacturing regions although sometimes more than one pattern can be found in a single carpet. The earliest creations went through various changes, slight alterations, and improvements. in the subsequent eras. But the defining style, pattern and dazzling craftsmanship have persisted till today. Mostly, rectilinear and curvilinear designs can be seen. Wool is the earliest and most used material for carpets. Cotton and silk are also used. Silk carpets are most sophisticated and complex.

Antique Persian rugs and carpets are unrivaled and living testament of human skill and craftsmanship of the ancient age. Ancient Persia was the mother of carpet making. Carpets as early as the Bronze Age can be found. The oldest surviving carpet is the Pazyryk carpet of the 5th century B.C.

The Pazyryk Carpet

Rugs and carpets were probably first made by the nomadic tribes for their homes and tents and as a means to protect them from cold. Gradually their beauty and opulence made them a favorite of the kings and noblemen who saw these as a sign of their grandeur, status and wealth. Emperor Cyrus introduced the art of carpet making, though most believe that nomads knew this even before Cyrus. Making Persian rugs and carpets continued under various kings and conquerors of Persia. The zenith of rugs and carpet making was achieved during the Safavid Dynasty in the 16th century. They established workshops for carpet making where talented weavers and designers created carpets and rugs of exceptional beauty, elegance and intricacies.

Persian rugs and carpets of the ancient age are dexterity, quality, excellence and artistry personified. They take us back to a long forgotten era and show that human endeavor, talent and will is ageless. Modern rugs and carpets of Iran are the worthy descendents of this great culture and they are as alluring and glittering as their illustrious ancestors. We at Rug Store are experts on Persian rugs and carpets and our enviable collection, customer service, dedication, proficiency and experience are well known. Once you come to us, you would not want to go anywhere else!